‘Draconian’ Pacific nation says goodbye to Facebook
- Replies 33
It’s hard to imagine life before Facebook’s little blue icon became a fixture on our screens, isn't it? We've watched it woven into the fabric of our daily routines, connecting us with family, friends, and communities near and far.
It's become the digital town square, where we share news, celebrate milestones, and stay in touch with those we might otherwise lose contact with.
Now, in a move that has sparked widespread controversy and concern, a government in the Pacific region has banned this social media platform.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has implemented a nationwide block on Facebook, leaving 1.3 million users disconnected from the popular social media platform.
The decision, which the nation's police department announced, has been described by critics as 'draconian' and has raised serious questions about freedom of expression and digital governance in the Pacific nation.
Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili justified the ban as a 'test' to safeguard citizens from 'harmful content'.
Citing the nation's anti-terrorism laws, Tsiamalili explained, ‘The government has the responsibility to protect its citizens from harmful content and the spread of misinformation. This was a necessary step to evaluate our capabilities in maintaining public order.’
‘However, the unchecked proliferation of fake news, hate speech, pornography, child exploitation, and incitement to violence on platforms such as Facebook is unacceptable. These challenges increasingly threaten the safety, dignity, and well-being of our populace,’ he said in a statement.
The abrupt nature of the ban and the lack of transparency surrounding its implementation have drawn sharp criticism. PNG's National Information and Communication Technology Authority (NICTA), the regulatory body responsible for overseeing digital policy, was notably kept in the dark.
NICTA Chief Executive Kila Gulo-Vui expressed concern over the lack of collaboration and communication, stressing the importance of transparency and consistency in online regulation.
‘Public confidence in our digital governance relies on transparency and consistency in how we approach online regulation,’ he said.
‘It is essential that all key stakeholders, including NICTA, law enforcement, telecommunications providers, and government agencies, collaborate closely to ensure that any actions taken are well-understood and properly executed.’
The public's reaction has been equally critical, with many turning to virtual private networks to circumvent the block and access Facebook.
East Sepik Province Governor Allan Bird has been vocal in his opposition to the block, labeling it as 'draconian'.
‘During the debate on the anti-terrorism bill in parliament, I pointed out that the law was too broad and could be used against innocent people,’ he said.
‘There is no limit to the powers the Minister of Police can exercise under this new law. We are now heading into dangerous territory, and everyone is powerless to stop this tyranny.’
Bird's concerns, echoed by many, highlight the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties—a balance that many feel PNG is currently tipping in the wrong direction.
Have you ever experienced internet censorship or disruptions to digital services? How do you think governments should balance the need for security with the rights to freedom of expression and access to information? Join the conversation in the comments below.
It's become the digital town square, where we share news, celebrate milestones, and stay in touch with those we might otherwise lose contact with.
Now, in a move that has sparked widespread controversy and concern, a government in the Pacific region has banned this social media platform.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has implemented a nationwide block on Facebook, leaving 1.3 million users disconnected from the popular social media platform.
The decision, which the nation's police department announced, has been described by critics as 'draconian' and has raised serious questions about freedom of expression and digital governance in the Pacific nation.
Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili justified the ban as a 'test' to safeguard citizens from 'harmful content'.
Papua New Guinea's government has blocked Facebook nationwide, disconnecting 1.3 million users and drawing criticism for restricting freedom of expression. Credit: Thought Catalog/Pexels
Citing the nation's anti-terrorism laws, Tsiamalili explained, ‘The government has the responsibility to protect its citizens from harmful content and the spread of misinformation. This was a necessary step to evaluate our capabilities in maintaining public order.’
‘However, the unchecked proliferation of fake news, hate speech, pornography, child exploitation, and incitement to violence on platforms such as Facebook is unacceptable. These challenges increasingly threaten the safety, dignity, and well-being of our populace,’ he said in a statement.
The abrupt nature of the ban and the lack of transparency surrounding its implementation have drawn sharp criticism. PNG's National Information and Communication Technology Authority (NICTA), the regulatory body responsible for overseeing digital policy, was notably kept in the dark.
NICTA Chief Executive Kila Gulo-Vui expressed concern over the lack of collaboration and communication, stressing the importance of transparency and consistency in online regulation.
‘Public confidence in our digital governance relies on transparency and consistency in how we approach online regulation,’ he said.
‘It is essential that all key stakeholders, including NICTA, law enforcement, telecommunications providers, and government agencies, collaborate closely to ensure that any actions taken are well-understood and properly executed.’
The public's reaction has been equally critical, with many turning to virtual private networks to circumvent the block and access Facebook.
The sentiment online is one of frustration and apprehension. One social media user likened the government's actions to those of authoritarian regimes, saying, ‘Blackout, blanket suppression. This is stuff dictators do.’East Sepik Province Governor Allan Bird has been vocal in his opposition to the block, labeling it as 'draconian'.
‘During the debate on the anti-terrorism bill in parliament, I pointed out that the law was too broad and could be used against innocent people,’ he said.
‘There is no limit to the powers the Minister of Police can exercise under this new law. We are now heading into dangerous territory, and everyone is powerless to stop this tyranny.’
Bird's concerns, echoed by many, highlight the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties—a balance that many feel PNG is currently tipping in the wrong direction.
Have you ever experienced internet censorship or disruptions to digital services? How do you think governments should balance the need for security with the rights to freedom of expression and access to information? Join the conversation in the comments below.
.png){kind=icon}
